The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is pressing for immediate inspections across Boeing 737 Max aircraft due to a wiring flaw that could potentially lead to pilots losing control of the planes. Despite Boeing’s assurance that this issue does not pose an “immediate safety-of-flight concern,” the urgency of the situation is underscored by differing opinions among aviation specialists.
The cause for alarm was triggered by an incident in December 2021, involving a Boeing 737-8 jet. During its descent on autopilot, the aircraft unexpectedly veered sharply to the right, as described by the plane’s captain. The quick thinking of the first officer, who promptly disengaged the autopilot, averted a crisis, allowing the plane to land safely without further incident. This event led the captain to report the malfunction to the Aviation Safety Reporting System, managed by NASA, where aviation professionals share safety concerns confidentially.
The report linked the sudden maneuver to an issue with the airplane’s left-wing spoiler, a problem that had been previously documented multiple times. This and similar incidents have prompted the FAA to propose a new rule, requiring about 207 737 Max airplanes in the U.S. to undergo inspections for potential wiring damage within the next three years. This is part of a series of measures addressing manufacturing and quality control issues that have recently come to light, adding to Boeing’s challenges.
The proposed FAA airworthiness directive is a reaction to several reports, including two from 2021, which detailed uncommanded movements of the aircraft attributed to chafed spoiler control wires. Boeing’s response came in July, with a service bulletin advising about 860 operators worldwide of the Max-8 and Max-9 models to perform voluntary inspections.
Boeing took steps in May 2022 to address the spoiler issue, implementing solutions in the production line for new aircraft. However, experts argue that the problem warrants more immediate action. Joe Jacobsen, a retired FAA engineer, and other aviation professionals express concern over the delay in prioritizing and addressing the issue, advocating for inspections to be conducted as soon as possible.
The FAA has yet to finalize the proposal, stating that it is considering public comments until late April. Meanwhile, the aviation community remains divided on the severity of the wiring flaw, with some seeing it as a significant safety risk requiring swift action, while Boeing maintains that it has been proactive in managing the issue.
This situation adds to a string of incidents that have raised questions about Boeing’s manufacturing practices and the oversight of such critical safety issues. With Boeing still navigating the fallout from two fatal Max crashes and other recent safety concerns, the spotlight on the company’s commitment to safety and quality control has never been brighter. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a balanced approach to addressing potential safety hazards, ensuring the safety of passengers without causing undue alarm or disruption to airline operations.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, nbcnews.com
